FEMA Asks Those Affected by Feburary 7 Tornadoes to Register for Assistance
The presidential disaster declaration of Feb. 11 makes federal Individual Assistance available to eligible families and individuals in Livingston and Orleans parishes.
If you had storm damage, you can register for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. You may also call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
FEMA says you should register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if you have registered with another disaster-relief organization such as the American Red Cross, or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card.
Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, volunteer groups and other agencies are at the disaster recovery centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.
Orleans Parish Disaster Recovery Center
Location: East New Orleans Public Library5641 Read Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70127Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
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